Are you a snacker?
I am! And you should be too. Snacking between meals is important for keeping energy levels high throughout the day and maintaining the lean muscle mass you work so hard to build.
However, all snacks aren’t created equal. Just like your meals, snacks should be balanced and contain multiple food groups. Making sure your snacks are balanced will ensure you stay fueled and prevent grazing through the snack cabinet the entire afternoon.
To create a balanced snack make sure to include
- A protein
- A complex carb or fruit/vegetable (with fiber)
- Healthy fats
My healthy fruit dip paired with fruit, pretzels, or graham crackers is the perfect option snack to keep you fueled throughout the afternoon (bye-bye 3pm slump). The dip is not only delicious, but it contains protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full for longer!
You will love prepping this recipe because it is easy to make and can be stored up to four days. I recommend pairing it with fruit for a quick snack or spreading it over whole-grain toast with some sliced bananas for a quick and easy breakfast. This sweet and creamy dip only requires three ingredients and can be adjusted to your taste! Feel free to make a vegan version of this healthy fruit dip by swapping out the yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and using maple syrup instead of honey.
Performance Benefits
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein for lean body mass maintenance and enhanced muscle recovery. Aim for 10-15g of protein in your snacks! It is also high in calcium, which promotes strong bones and reduces the incidence of injuries.
Peanut Butter
Not only delicious, but peanut butter can also lower inflammation and improve post-workout recovery. PB’s healthy fats also enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Make sure you choose an all-natural peanut butter that includes only nuts and salt.
*If you are a peanut butter lover like me, you will love these healthy cookie dough protein bites as another fun snack!
Honey
Honey is a fast-releasing carbohydrate that can boost our workouts and energy levels. Making sure you are getting enough carbohydrates a day is essential to making sure your fuel stores stay high and you maximize performance on the field.
Fruit
Fruit is rich in antioxidants that will decrease inflammation (soreness and feelings of stiffness) after a hard workout. Many fruits are rich in potassium, which is important for energy production and nerve function to improve athletic performance. Some of my favorite fruits to enjoy with this healthy yogurt fruit dip are
- Banana
- Apple Slices
- Sliced strawberries
- Pears
- Berries (placed on top as a topping)
Healthy Yogurt Fruit Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup Vanilla Greek Yogurt
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- Apples, banana, strawberry, or any other fruit of your choice
Instructions
- Mix yogurt, honey and peanut butter in a bowl until well combined.
- Pair with your favorite fruit or carb snack
